Going into a new year feels like pressing a reset button. You feel fresh, like you have the power to change anything, and your sights are set on making 2019 your best year yet.

However, some of the consequences of the past year will always linger into the next one. We are still stuck with several reminders of how chaotic 2018 was — President Donald Trump is still in office, we still remember the seemingly hundreds of mass shootings that occurred and the countless reports of sexual assault in Hollywood and beyond.

Some of us may have also gotten off to a rough start in the fall quarter, and wish we could leave it all behind. Let’s take the new year as an opportunity to make necessary changes that can better ourselves.

It’s difficult to transition out of a tumultuous year and believe that 2019 will fit all new year expectations. We can’t control everything that happens in the world, but we can change ourselves and how we react. Aside from typical New Year’s resolutions, like becoming more organized or going to the gym, everyone should resolve to be an active participant in the world around them.

Be an advocate for the change you wish to see. Take steps to improve your habits and create routines. You can’t control what happens to you in 2019, but approaching a new year with a level head will make it less tough to get through.

If you got off on the wrong foot at the start of this academic year, take the new year as an opportunity to do better. Sticking to a resolution of writing everything down could help you get all your work done and stop stressing. Every quarter presents an opportunity to start fresh and get better grades than the last.

Do your best to be optimistic that 2019 will hold better days, but don’t be unrealistic. Changes in your life and a fresh start won’t be brought to you simply because it’s a new year. Put in the effort to be present and aware of the changes you need to make in your life to make 2019 your best year so far.